Rome Looks to Boost Business and Innovation Ahead of Pope’s Jubilee
Young Christian entrepreneurs see the upcoming Jubilee of Hope as an opportunity to transform Rome into a hub of entrepreneurial talent and innovation.
With the highly anticipated “Jubilee of Hope” set to open in Rome in 2025, a group of young Christian businessmen is aiming to leverage the event to enhance Rome’s reputation as a center of entrepreneurial excellence and innovation. The members of the Christian Union of Entrepreneurs and Managers (UCID) believe that by focusing on the business and tech sectors, Rome can become more competitive and less reliant on tourism. As the city faces challenges in attracting non-tourist industries, these entrepreneurs see the Jubilee as a chance to revitalize Rome’s image and propel it into the forefront of ethical innovation.
Rome’s Lagging Non-Tourist Industries
Rome has fallen behind other European capitals in terms of developing non-tourist industries, according to Benedetto Delle Site, a Roman businessman and president of the youth sector of UCID. He laments that Rome lost the bid to host the prestigious Expo 2030 event, which showcases new products and developments, and believes this failure underscores the need for a renewed focus on business and innovation in the city. Delle Site emphasizes that Rome cannot sustain itself solely on the income generated by its monuments and political status, and urges the city to prioritize becoming a global capital of public services and infrastructure.
The Potential of Rome’s Unique Characteristics
Delle Site highlights three key factors that make Rome an ideal candidate for becoming a global model of ethical technological innovation. Firstly, Rome is the spiritual capital of Christianity, with a significant Catholic population. Secondly, it is a leading European center for higher education. Lastly, Rome is home to a substantial number of innovative start-ups and SMEs, reflecting the city’s talent and youth creativity. Delle Site believes that by capitalizing on these factors, Rome can establish itself as a global capital of ethics applied to technological innovation.
The Opportunity of the Jubilee of Hope
As the Jubilee of Hope approaches, Delle Site sees the event as a significant opportunity for Rome to not only inspire spiritual devotion but also attract businessmen and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the city’s growth in the financial and tech sectors. However, he acknowledges that Rome is running behind schedule in its preparations for the Jubilee, and urges the city to look beyond tourism and construction industries. Delle Site proposes that the Jubilee can serve as a catalyst for Rome to shed its constraints and embrace its potential as a global capital of ethical innovation.
Challenges and Concerns
While the Vatican, the city of Rome, and the Italian government have announced ambitious plans for public works to enhance the city’s infrastructure, delays and concerns have arisen. Business associations and residents have expressed doubts about the completion of construction projects in time for the Jubilee. The proposed tram project to transport pilgrims from Rome’s main train station to the Vatican has faced opposition due to concerns over delays and disruptions to local businesses. Additionally, the construction of an underground car passage along the main street leading to St. Peter’s Basilica has caused significant traffic disruptions, raising doubts about its timely completion.
Conclusion:
Despite the challenges and concerns surrounding preparations for the Jubilee of Hope, there is optimism among young Christian entrepreneurs that Rome can leverage this event to transform itself into a global hub of ethical innovation. By focusing on business and tech sectors, Rome has the potential to become a leading center for entrepreneurial talent and creativity. The Jubilee presents an opportunity for the city to shed its constraints and embrace its unique characteristics to propel itself into the forefront of ethical technological innovation. Only through a partnership with businesses and a focus on subsidiarity can Rome relaunch its image and attract those who have left the city, generating employment opportunities for its talented youth. The Jubilee of Hope holds the promise of not only inspiring spiritual devotion but also revitalizing Rome’s economic and innovative landscape.